American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.

View this content in Español

What are the steps of a tummy tuck procedure?

A tummy tuck procedure includes the following steps:

Step 1 - Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button.

Tummy tuck incision front abdomen

The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.

A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

Tummy tuck incision front abdomen sutures

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.

Tummy tuck side before and after

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.

Step 4 – See the results

Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. Get more information about tummy tuck results.



Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Tyler Angelos Headshot

Tyler Angelos, MD, FACS

5005 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220

(614) 246-6900

Michael DePerro Headshot

Michael P. DePerro, III, MD

1830 Bethel Road Suite 200
Columbus, OH 43220

(614) 4294950

Timothy Treece Headshot

Timothy A. Treece, MD, FACS

5005 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220

(614) 246-6900

Jeffrey Janis Headshot

Jeffrey E. Janis, MD

915 Olentangy River Rd. Suite 2100
Columbus, OH 43212

(614) 366-1704

Brian Dorner Headshot

Brian Dorner, MD

4930 Bradenton Ave.
Dublin, OH 43017

(614) 336-9000

Christopher Zochowski Headshot

Christopher G. Zochowski, MD

725 Buckles Court 210
Gahana, OH 43230

(614) 4907500

Craig Lehrman Headshot

Craig R. Lehrman, MD

915 Olentangy River Rd Suite 2140
Columbus, OH 43212

(614) 2938655

Fernando Colon Headshot

Fernando I. Colon, MD

947 East Johnstown Road #149
Gahanna, OH 43230

(614) 775-6001

Logo

Patient Care Center